EASTERN ADVENTURE WITH A WESTERN FLAVOUR

Those in search of discovery will find that Melilla is the ideal starting point for many different adventures.

We can start with a visit to the Rif region, which is within easy reach of Melilla, with the round trip starting and finishing in the city.

One excursion that is not to be missed begins at the Cape of Three Seals and Kelaya, a peninsula including the Gurugú mountain area and the 'Small Sea' lagoon. Kelaya has a number of small coves, such as Tramontana, Puntanegri and Charranen. Some have beaches of fine golden sand and are a delight for lovers of fishing and diving, while others have historic remains of the different cultures that passed this way, such as the coves of Atalayón, or Cazaza, where the last King of Granada, Boabdil 'the Boy' disembarked.

National Park
Mount Gurugú has a beautiful National Park where there is a colony of Barbary apes and the Roman remains of Tazuda.
As Melilla is "the closest European city to the desert", there are a number of fascinating trips that may be made to the oases, dunes, palm groves and mysterious southern cities.

After a few days in Melilla enjoying 'western days' among the bewitching Modernist heritage, sensing the first hint of Africa, and gathering equipment and letting temptation be the master in the stores and markets, the traveller may feel the pull of the great eastern adventure. Excitement will mount as preparations are made: the provision of a compass, a pair of good leather boots, spares for the car and maps; the eager absorption of the information provided by the adventure clubs and agencies, before the great adventure is finally under way.

The journey begins towards the interior, where the Great Sun sleeps, to the Great Oases, such as those of Figuig or Tafilat, which are a mere six hours away from unforgettable Melilla, moving over the sea of golden sand waves to the fringes of the Sahara, the great heart of Africa. And at the end of the adventure Melilla waits with open arms to receive the intrepid traveller and invite him or her to relax and enjoy the city once more.